Koh Tao Travel Guide

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Sailing on Koh Tao

www.island-cruises.org

This little island offers the accessible low key Thailand option. The
ferries and speed boats drop off at the main pier and extension of the
town's primary paved road. The little town offers all of the backpacker
treats, including internet cafes, several food stops/bars, dirt bike
rentals, a clinic with an English speaking nurse, an excellent pastry
shop and place to read the paper, several general stores and more than
a few beachside restaurants. The joy of this island is that it also
offers a chance to get away from all of that. Several of the bungalow
operations are only guaranteed accessible by boat or by foot. The sand
and gravel roads leading to the out of the way spots tend to wash out
early in the rainy season and stay washed out until well into the dry
season. Even the courageous on large dirtbikes will find some of the
roads unrideable. Hence, the challenge.

Some of Thailands best
snorkelling can be had in Koh Tao. Some snorkel tour operators bait the
fish for a good show. Sometimes the fish show their appreciation by
taking a little nip of the farangs (foreigners). These bites tend to be
more startling than actually dangerous. Still, keep an eye out for
trigger fish.

My hands down recommendation goes to the Coral View
Resort. This dozen bungalow operation is run by John, an Aussie, and
his Thai wife. If one waits for the touts to clear, one can usually
spot John waiting for the mellow customer. The Coral View offers dive
instruction, a quiet beach, easy access to fantastic snorkeling and a
view of Shark Island. A short conversation with John is all one needs
to get a discount on his already low prices, especially on extended
stays. Please give my best to Honee, an exceptional girl amoung the
normally industrious Thai people.